Types of Open Wounds and How to Care for Them

There are different wound types so identifying them early on can help you decide how to care for the damage. See the facts below.

Penetrating Wounds:

• Puncture wounds

• Surgical wounds and incisions

• Thermal, chemical, or electric burns

• Bites and stings

• Gunshot wounds, or other high-velocity projectiles that can penetrate the body

Blunt Force Trauma

• Abrasions

• Lacerations

• Skin tears

Open wounds require intensive care depending on their severity. They are more prone to infection, so learning how to perform first aid is very crucial. If the wound is severe, which means blood getting everywhere, call 911 or go to a health care clinic immediately. Read the details below on how to properly care for open wounds.

• Stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure on the area.

• Clean the wound using clean water and gentle soap. Make sure to apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with gauze. Change bandages regularly and keep the wound moist using the ointment.

• Ask for medical treatment if: the cut is deep or over a joint; you cannot clean the wound; the injury is a deep puncture wound and the injured has not had a tetanus shot; or If the injury came from a human or animal bite.

After a couple of days of cleaning and caring for your wound, observe if it is properly healing. If the injury is presenting swelling, redness, and excessive pain, go to urgent care services in Modesto, California immediately.

Progressive Urgent Care – Modesto is a medical clinic in Modesto, California, that can help you with proper wound care and healing. For more information, call us at 209-251-0200.